Jacobs, the former CEO of the Texas-based Reliant Energy, says Wednesday he is forming an exploratory committee to review running for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin.

An Iowa native, the 51-year-old Jacobs moved his family to Iowa last year and founded an education nonprofit. Jacobs says he expects to make a decision about running in several months and will not fundraise during the exploratory period.

Other Republican candidates include former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker, Sioux City talk show host Sam Clovis and David Young, a former aide to Sen. Chuck Grassley. State Sen. Joni Ernst is also weighing a run.

Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley, of Waterloo, is his party’s only candidate.